Device for gripping screw type closures



y 1951 R. E. PORTTEUS 2,985,046

DEVICE FOR GRIPPING SCREW TYPE CLOSURES Filed Oct. 3, 1960 INVENTOR: ROBERT E: PORTTE'US ATTORNEYS United States Patent DEVICE FOR GRIPPING SCREW TYPE CLOSURES Robert E. Portteus, 2070 Weyland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.

Filed Oct. 3, 1960, Ser. No. 60,119

14 Claims. (Cl. 813.44)

This invention pertains to gripping devices and, more particularly, to an improved device for gripping and transmitting tightening or loosening forces to screw type closures such as those customarily found upon fruit jars or the like.

Primary objects of the invention are the provision of a device of the type described which is readily adaptable for utilization upon closures of widely varying diameter, which can be utilized with facility by one hand of an operator even upon closures of relatively large diameter, and in which the forces transmitted are co-planar and maximum torque is applied to those closures of relatively large diameter.

Still another object is the provision of a device of the type described which is of compact and economical construction and manufacture, yet extremely durable and efficient.

More specific objects are the provision of a device having four gripping surfaces which in a first position of adjustment define two sets of companion jaws, and in a second adjusted position form still a third set of companion jaws, each set being adapted to accommodate a different range of closure diameters with the greatest leverage and peripheral contact being obtainable upon closures of larger diameter, and which can be easily utilized by only one hand of an operator even upon closures of such large diameter. 7

Still other objects and advantages will be in part evident and in part pointed out hereinafter in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a plan view of a device according to the invention with a first set of companion jaws in gripping engagement with a closure of medium diameter, the closure being diagrammatically shown in broken lines;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device;

Figure 3 is a plan View of the device with a second set of companion jaws in gripping engagement with a closure of relatively small diameter;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the device in adjusted position, with a third set of companion jaws in gripping engagement with a closure of relatively large diameter;

Figure 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the device with the handle portions broken away and with companion jaws in gripping engagement with a closure of relatively small diameter; and

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation looking in the direction of the arrows along line 66 of Figure 5 of the pivot and retaining means of the second embodiment of the device.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a device according to the invention is illustrated in its entirety in Figures 1-4 by the numeral 10 and comprises generally a pair of elongated, metallic members 12 and 14, complexedly curved as shown and as discussed more fully hereinafter, the basic components of which may be advantageously formed from flat metal strip or sheet by a stamping operation. Members 12 and 14 are pivotally connected together at one end by means of a two-headed rivet or pin 16, that portion of one of the membersillnstratively member 12through which pin 16 extends being depressed to form a shoulder 18, so that the greater lengths of joined members 12, 14 lie within the same plane. The length of shoulder 18 is such that it will not interfere with or limit pivotal movement of the free ends of members 12, 14 in the direction of the two-headed arrows from a position in which such ends abut through an arc of approximately degrees. Further relative movement of members 12, 14 is neither necessary nor desired in the operation of device 10, as will be apparent subsequently, and is prohibited by shoulder 18 so as to prevent an unskilled person misusing the device by turning members 12, 14 completely upon themselves.

Adjacent their pivotally connected ends, members 12 and 14 are each provided with arcuate sections 20, 22, respectively, the inner confronting edges of which are serrated or otherwise suitably roughened, as at 24, to define opposed gripping surfaces. As best seen in Figure 1, the length and curvature of sections 20, 22 are substantially the same and the radius of the greater length thereof is equal to that of the standard fruit jar closure, such as that indicated by the numeral 26, upon which devices of this general character are frequently employed. When device 10 is utilized in conjunction with such a closure, sections 20, 22 define a first set of companion jaws which are positioned about opposite edges of the closure by pivotal manipulation of members 12, 14, and which will engage a substantial segment of its circumference, as shown, thereby permitting application of the necessary torque without slippage.

Intermediate section 20 and its free end, member 12 has a reverse bend leading to a second arcuate section 28 having an edge serrated as at 24, and an integral arcuate handle portion 30. Similarly, member 14 is provided with a second arcuate serrated section 32, which spacedly opposes section 28 on member 12, and with an integral arcuate handle portion 34. Sections 28, 32 define the second pair of companion jaws of device 10, and are intended for utilization upon closures of relatively small diameter, such as that identified by the numeral 36 in Figures 3 and 5, which it will be noted could not be engaged by the first described pair of jaws of device 10', comprised of sections 20, 22. Contact is assured, however, between sections 28, 32 and closures of the smallest diameter now in common use, by the closer placement of these sections to the free ends of device 10 and the illustrated curvatures of members 12, 14, particularly the abrupt outward sweep of handle 34. To increase the areal contact between this second set of jaws of device 10 and the circumference of a small closure, section 28 is formed with a relatively small radius, as shown. For a purpose subsequently to be described, section 32 is not similarly shaped, but rather defines an even shallower curve than that of section 20 or 22. While this reduces the contact of section 32 with the circumference of a small diameter closure, such as 36 in Figure 3, the utility of device 10 is in no way impaired thereby. The jaw contact necessary with smaller diameter closures is much less than with those of larger diameter, and it has been found that gripping effect produced by the combined engagement of sections 28 and 32 is quite sufficient for the small diameter closures upon which they are employed.

It is apparent that by moving members 12, 14 a sutficient distance away from one another, sections 28, 32 might be brought into engagement with a closure of medium diameter, such as the closure 26. Such a utilization of device 10 is neither intended nor recommended, however, for several reasons. Attempted usage of sections 28, 32rather than sections 20, 22-upon a closure of medium diameter would result in less gripping contact between the jaws or sections and the closure, the transmission of less torque to the closure for the same applied force on handles 39, 34, and the necessity of two-hand operation due to the distance between handles 30, 34 becoming greater than could be conveniently spanned by one hand. The desirability of obtaining maximum torque and gripping engagement with larger diameter closures should be apparent, as is the desirability of one-hand operation in view of devices of the instant type being most commonly utilized while securing a container with one hand and simultaneously rotating 'the closure thereon with the other. It is therefore intended and recommended that sections 28, 32 be employed only upon closures having diameters ranging smaller in size than the diameters which sections 29, 22 are intended to accommodate.

Similarly, while sections 2%, 22 are capable of utilization, in the manner initially described, upon closures of larger diameter than closure 26 seen in Figure 1, a point is reached at which one-hand operation becomes impossible and increased gripping engagement is desirable. In order to afiord continued one-hand operation with closures of relatively large diameter, device 10 is provided with structure rendering it capable of adjustment to present still a third set of companion jaws.

This capability is effected by pivoting member 14 intermediate its sections 22, 32, as by means of the two-headed rivet or pin 38 seen in Figures 1-4, so that relative movement of these sections with respect to one another is possible. When it is desired to employ device 10 upon a closure of relatively large diameter, such as that identified by the numeral 40 in Figure 4, section 32 may be then pivoted inwardly to formin conjunction with sections 20, 22a third set of companion jaws which Will engage closure 40 as shown. It will be noted that when section 32 is thus employed, its serrated edge is in substantially continuous engagement with the circumference of closure 40, due to its heretofore mentioned large radius; additionally, it will be noted that when device 10 is in its Figure 4 position of adjustment, handle 34 is located inwardly of its normal position shown in Figures 1 and 2, permitting handles 30, 34 to still be readily spanned by one hand of an operator employing device 10 even upon a closure of large diameter.

One of the adjacent pivoted ends of arcuate sections 22, 32, illustratively that of section 22, is provided with a shoulder 42 similar to shoulder 18 upon member 12 and of sufficient depth so that sections 22, 32 are coplanar. Thus, irrespective of whether the first, second, or third set of jaws of device 18 is employed upon a closure, the forces exerted by the jaws will always be directly opposing one another, i.e., in the same plane. Therefore, no lateral forces which might tend to bind and inhibit the rotation of a closure will be exerted by the device.

It will be apparent that means are necessary to prevent relative pivotal movement of section-s 22, 32 of member 14 when device 10 is utilized upon closures of standard or relatively small diameter, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Preferred structure for this purpose is shown in Figures 1 through 4, and includes the provision upon that end of section 32 adjacent section 22 of an integral reversel-y bent portion or ear 44, through which pin 38 projects. Pivotally mounted upon the terminal end of ear 44 by means of a pin 46 is a hook member 48 adapted to detachably engage an upstanding pin 50 upon section 22. When hook 48 is in engagement with pin 50, as shown in Figures 1 through 3, movement of handle 34 toward handle 30 will merely reduce the arc distance between members 12 and 14 and the two pairs of opposed jaws thereof; no relative movement of sections 22, 32 about pin 38 can or will occur. When it is desired to use device 18 upon closures of large diameter, however, such as closure 40 of Figure 4, it is necessary only to disengage hook '48 from pin 50 and pivot section 32 and handle 34 inwardly about pin 38 toward section 22. The disengagement of hook 48 from pin 50 can, of course, be

effected in any desired manner, but it has been found that this may be most quickly and easily accomplished merely by moving handle 34 downwardly a short distance from the positions in which it is shown in Figures 1 and 3 prior to pivoting it upwardly, or toward handle 39, as shown in Figure 4.

Figures 5- and 6 disclose slightly modified structure for pivotally connecting sections 22, 32 and for releasably maintaining these sections in fixed relationship to one another when desired. The modified structure includes a projection or car 52 again integral with the end of section 32 adjoining section 22, but extending at a less abrupt angle therefrom than the ear 44 of the previously described embodiment. Bar 52 is provided with two vertical bores 54, 56, which are adapted to receive two upstanding pins 58, 60, respectively, which are integral with or secured to shoulder 42 of section 22 and projecting above the upper surface thereof. Pin 60 is threaded and provided with a wing nut 62 securing sections 22, 32 in contact, but permitting relative pivotal movement thereof, similar to pin 38 of the Figure 1 through 4 embodiment, when pin 58 is not positioned within bore 54. This pivotal movement is prohibited when it is desired to utilize the device upon closures of medium or small diameter, as shown in Figure 5, simply by additionally positioning pin 58 within bore 54, the combined efiect of pins 58, 68 being to rigidly connect sections 22, 32. It is not contemplated-that any material restraining assistance will be contributed by nut 62, the primary function of which is to maintain sections 22, 32 against displacement normal to one another, and it is therefore unnecessary for a tightening force of large magnitude to be exerted thereon.

As seen in Figure 6, pin 60 is of considerably greater length than pin 58, which permits the latter and more 54 to be engaged and disengaged by simply loosening nut 62 and shifting car 52 toward the outer end of pin 66, but Without entirely withdrawing pin 60 from bore 56. In view of this capability, it is preferred that the upper end of pin 60 be flattened or otherwise suitably formed to prohibit nut 62 from being entirely removed therefrom. Accidental complete disengagement of the device, and the consequential possibility of loss of one or more of its parts, would then be impossible, as with the initially discussed embodiment.

It is believed that the operation of both disclosed embodiments of the device will be readily apparent. Two sets of companion jaws are instantly available for alternative utilization upon ranges of the standard and smaller diameter closures most frequently encountered. By a simple adjustment of the device, which can be made with ease and speed, a third set of jaws is available for larger closures. Irrespective of which set is utilized, the forces exerted by the jaws will in each instance be in the same plane, thereby discouraging binding of the closure upon the container, and the handles of the device will be capable of being readily spanned by one hand of the operator. Additionally, maximum leverage and gripping engagement is obtained when most needed upon closures of larger diameter. It is therefore apparent that the instant invention provides a device in which the various objects and advantages heretofore noted have been achieved, along with various practical benefits.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they. are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims;

That which is claimed is:'

1. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising first and second elongated complexedly curved members each having first and second arcuatc gripping sections, means pivotally connecting said members together at one of their ends with the first gripping sections thereof in opposed relationship to each other, means interconnecting the gripping sections of said first member for pivotal movement of the second gripping section thereof to a position opposing the first gripping sections of said members, and latch means on said first member for restraining pivotal movement of the gripping sections thereof relative to each other and for maintaining the second gripping sections of said members opposing each other.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first gripping sections are adjacent the pivotal connection of said members, and further including a handle portion integral with the second gripping section of each of said members.

3. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first gripping sections are of substantially identical curvature, and wherein said curvature is more abrupt than the curvature of the second gripping section of said first member and less abrupt than the curvature of the second gripping section of said second member.

4. A device as in claim 1, wherein the gripping sections lie within the same plane.

5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said latch means includes a hook movably mounted upon one of the gripping sections of said first member, and means engaged by the hook upon the other gripping section of said first member.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein one of the gripping sections of said first member has a bore therein, and said latch means includes a pin complementary to said bore upon the other gripping section of said first member.

7. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising first and second elongated complexedly curved members each having first and second arcuate gripping sections, means pivotally connecting said members together at one of their ends with the first sections thereof in opposed companion relation to each other, means having two positions of adjustment on said first member interconnecting the sections thereof, said last-named means in a first position of adjustment restraining movement of the sections of said first member relative to each other and maintaining the second section of said first member in opposed companion relation to the second section of said second member, and said last-named means when in a second position of adjustment pivotally interconnecting the first and second sections of said first member for pivotal movement of the second section thereof to a position in opposed companion relation to the first sections of said members.

8. A device as in claim 7, wherein the first gripping sections of said members have substantially the same curvature, and wherein said curvature is more abrupt than that of the second gripping section of one of said members, and less abrupt than that of the second gripping section of the other of said members.

9. A device as in claim 8, wherein the second gripping section having the less abrupt curvature is upon said first member.

10. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising first and second elongated complexedly curved members each having first and second arcuate gripping sections and a handle portion at one of their ends, means pivotally connecting said members together at their ends remote from the handle portions with the first gripping sections thereof in opposed companion relation to each other, means having two positions of adjustment interconnecting the gripping sections of said first member, said last-named means in one position of adjustment restraining movement of the gripping sections of said first member relative to each other and maintaining the second gripping section of said first member in opposed companion relation to the second gripping section of said second member, and said last-named means when in a second position of adjustment pivotally connecting together the gripping sections of said first member for placement of the second gripping section thereof in opposed companion relation to the first gripping sections of said members.

11. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising first and second complexedly curved members pivotally connected together at one of their ends, the ends remote therefrom defining handle portions, first and second arcuate gripping sections on each of said members intermediate the ends thereof, the first gripping sections of said members being in opposed companion relation to each other, pivot means interconnecting the first and second gripping sections of said first member for pivotal movement when desired of the second gripping section thereof toward the point of pivotal connection of said members and to a position of cooperation with the first gripping sections of said members, and latch means normally restraining pivotal movement of the gripping sections of said first member relative to each other and maintaining the second gripping section of said first member 11 opposed companion relation to the second gripping section of said second member.

12. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising a pair of complexedly curved members pivotally connected together at one of their ends and each having first and second arcuate gripping sections, the ends remote from the pivotal connection of said members serving as handles for manipulation thereof and the first gripping sections of said members being in opposed companion relation to each other, said second member being integrally formed, means intermediate the length of said first member for normally maintaining the second gripping section thereof in opposed companion relation to the second gripping section of said second member and at other times pivotally interconnecting the gripping sections of said first member for movement of the second gripping section thereof toward the pivotal connection of said members and to a position of opposed companion relationship with the first gripping sections of said members.

13. A device for gripping screw type closures comprising first and second elongated complexedly curved members pivotally connected together at one of their ends, a first arcuate gripping section on each of said members adjacent said pivotal connection, said first gripping sections opposing each other and defining a first set of companion jaws, a second arcuate gripping section on each of said members adjacent the first gripping sections thereof, said second member being integrally formed, means having two positions of adjustment interconnecting the gripping sections of said first member and in one position of adjustment restraining movement of the gripping sections thereof relative to each other and maintaining the second gripping section of said first member in opposed relation to the second gripping section of said second member to define a second set of companion jaws, and said means in another position of adjustment pivotally interconnecting the gripping sections of said first member for placement of the second gripping section thereof opposing the first gripping sections of said members to define in conjunction therewith a third set of companion jaws.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein the ends of said members remote from their pivotal connection serve as handles for manipulation thereof, and wherein for any given distance between said handles said third set of companion jaws accommodates larger size closures than said first set and said first set accommodates larger size closures than said second set.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 696,659 Thomas Apr. 1, 1902 1,342,848 Johnson June 8, 1920 1,906,454 Elters May 2, 1933 2,304,997 Generales Dec. 15, 1942 2,548,634 Stump Apr. 10, 1951 2,818,754 Kubik et a1. Ian. 7, 1958 

